Footage sought after raid suspect dies after being restrained by public

Monday, July 17, 2017 - 12:35 PM

Police in the UK are appealing for mobile phone footage of a supermarket raid after the death of a suspected robber who was restrained by members of the public.

A "have-a-go-hero" was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after Shane Bryant was apprehended near a Co-op store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, last Thursday.

Mr Bryant, 29, died in hospital in Nottingham on Saturday after being taken ill at the scene of the shop raid.

Officers from Leicestershire Police said a 24-year-old man arrested "to allow officers to carry out a prompt and balanced investigation" has been released from custody pending further investigation.

Police were called to Market Street in Ashby at 10pm on Thursday after reports of two men entering a store and threatening staff with a baseball bat and golf club, and demanding cash.

One of the suspects made off in a waiting vehicle, but Mr Bryant was restrained in the street until police arrived.

Detective Chief Inspector Di Coulson, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to have any dashcam and mobile phone footage that anyone may have of the incident on Thursday night.

"There were lots of people in the area who saw what happened and were involved in apprehending Mr Bryant. No matter how short or insignificant you think it is, we would like to see it please.

"I'd like to thank members of public in Ashby for their support so far, and we've spoken to many witnesses, but if you saw what happened, or you have any information about the robbery and you haven't spoken to officers, please contact us."

An online fund-raising page has been set up by a friend of Mr Bryant, Serina Larvin, to support his family.

In a post on the site, Ms Larvin said: "A much loved friend of our community got taken away in unexpected circumstances.

"He left behind two small children and a absolutely heartbroken family. I thought it would be nice to raise some money to give to his children and help support the family in any way possible."